MIA Shows: Line of Duty season 5 and the current status report
For this edition of our ongoing MIA Shows article series, we’re putting the focus on Line of Duty, one of Britain’s most-successful crime series. It’s been more than a year since the last batch of episodes aired and with that in mind, doesn’t it feel like the time is right for more?
Well, the bad news is that you’re going to have to wait for a good while longer in order to see the famous AC-12 crime unit back on TV! The good news, however, is that a season 5 is for sure happening! Earlier this year, BBC One officially confirmed that the crime series will be coming back, and that filming had already begin! This likely cements the series for a launch at some point in 2019.
So why the long wait between seasons? A part of this has to do simply with the way in which British TV often tends to operate, at least in contrast to what we see from many shows stateside. There’s less of a priority in the UK to have a season of a given series on the air every single season, and writers often do choose to bounce around between a number of different projects. Line of Duty writer Jed Mercurio, for example, is also the main creative voice behind another massive hit in Bodyguard — that series is likely going to come back for a second season at some point, but it is too early to declare any sort of specific timing.
As for what we’d like to see on Line of Duty season 5, this is a case where things really are not altogether complicated. This is a show that has very much thrived on telling fascinating stories of police politics, internal affairs, and finding a way to ensure that justice is served at almost any cost. It’s powerful in its storytelling and while its seasons are often short, there is quite a bit of content packed in there. We’re still fairly confident that there will be a season 6 for the series down the line, as well, at least based on the popularity that we’ve seen from it so far. It attracts great talent and there are almost always going to be relevant stories to tell. we’re just in that sort of world where there are constantly some sort of headlines happening and with that, there is always going to be more material.
Hopefully, the BBC will announce some more news when it comes to Line of Duty at some point within the first few months of 2019. At that point, it feels like it will be close to the time to promote. (In America, you can watch Line of Duty on Amazon.)
What do you want to see when it comes to a Line of Duty season 5, and when do you want to see the series premiere? Be sure to share right now in the attached comments!